Hotline of power engineering specialists:
To prepare for the thunderstorm period of 2019, specialists of IDGC of Centre - Smolenskenergo division implemented measures aimed at ensuring reliable and uninterrupted operation of the power grid complex of the Smolensk region. They were developed on the basis of interruption analysis, technological disruptions of electrical equipment due to the impact of lightning surges for similar periods of the previous year, with particular attention paid to checking and testing protective equipment for overvoltage of substation equipment, eliminating “dangerous places”, the presence of which entails the development of technological effects of disturbances due to lightning surges. In addition, to ensure trouble-free operation, additional measures were taken to protect 6-110 kV power lines, 35-110 kV substations and 6-10 kV transformer stations.
That is why, prior to the beginning of the thunderstorm period, Smolenskenergo’s specialists completed the verification and analysis of existing overvoltage protection schemes, conducted a visual inspection of the state of lightning protection devices and overvoltage protection devices of 35-110 kV substations, 35-110 kV overhead power lines and 6-10 KV distribution grids. In accordance with the developed measures, engineering inspections of all 35-110 kV substations, warehouses of combustive-lubricating materials, oil facilities and antenna-mast structures were carried out in a timely manner.
First responding and repair and maintenance personnel of the branch were briefed on actions in thunderstorm conditions and emergency response trainings were held to determine fault locations on power lines, as well as to eliminate power supply interruptions at customers’ premises.
The availability and sufficiency of wire, satellite, radio and cellular communications was also checked.
“The thunderstorm period is a serious test for electrical equipment. Power engineers analyze in advance outages and technological disruptions that occurred due to the impact of lightning overvoltage for similar periods of previous years, and based on this analysis, develop an action plan to ensure reliable operation of power grid facilities,” stressed Vitaly Golubkov, the head of Smolenskenergo’s production analysis and management department. “It is worth noting that the timely and complete preparation of the electric grid complex for the thunderstorm period will allow Smolenskenergo to significantly reduce the risk of damage to electrical equipment in the branch’s service area and ensure reliable and high-quality power supply to customers in the Smolensk region.”
